Planning Commission to consider two proposed tattoo businesses

VISTA 
Two tattoo parlors could make a permanent mark in city history if approved by Vista planning commissioners Tuesday.

If the Planning Commission agrees on licensing the businesses, the parlors could open immediately at their proposed locations at 1916 Hacienda Drive and 902 S. Santa Fe Ave., though Community Development Director John Conley thought that the buildings might need some refurbishment before they could open.

Conley said city staff members are recommending approval of a parlor on Hacienda Drive and a delay for the proposed Santa Fe Avenue parlorbecause the zoning in that location is being updated.

The decision by the Planning Commission would be final unless someone appeals it to the City Council. The commission meets at 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers at City Hall, 600 Eucalyptus Ave.

“The preference is not to have any tattoo parlors, but you probably can't legally do that. So the idea is to regulate them,” said planning commissioner John Aguilera.

Aguilera said he planned to walk the area of the proposed parlors to see if their locations are suitable.

Such approval would come grudgingly and under the threat that an outright ban on all tattoo parlors could bring a lawsuit under First Amendment protections of freedom of expression, city officials have explained.

City Council members have not hidden their disdain for tattoo parlors, pawnshops and other businesses that they don't see as advancing the image of Vista as a family-friendly city.

In February, the city tightened regulations on new pawnshops, tobacco stores and bail-bond dealers. Such businesses are facing increased scrutiny in in the permitting process and are allowed to operate only in certain zones of the city, Conley said.

In April, the City Council banned smoke shops – such as cigar bars and places for smoking flavored tobacco through water pipes.

At the same meeting, the council voted unanimously to limit the number of tattoo parlors in the city to one per 40,000 residents and restricted where they can operate. With a population of about 96,000, that would mean two tattoo shops could operate in Vista.

The tattoo parlors must be at least 1,000 feet apart and 500 feet from any school, park or playground. They would also be restricted to certain commercial zones in the city, such as West Vista Way and South Santa Fe Avenue.

The owners of the proposed tattoo shops could not be reached for comment.